41 minutes ago, Liberty City said:

If I remember correctly, I think he even mentioned him leaving was what he needed to do because of his behaviour surrounding Chad and how he was coming off, and that he needed the time away that he had.

From Soap Opera Digest, via Soaps.com:

❝ Because he was afraid to lose everything he had during his initial run as Chad, Flynn recalled trying to control everything, which eventually trickled down from work to other parts of his life. So, during his time away from Salem, “I just focused on myself. There were so many parts of myself that I’d forgotten and I just got in touch with that again.” Those things included boxing, jiu-jitsu, and his wife – all of which he reported makes him better at his job. “Now, I’m in great shape. I’m super-clear-headed. I have perspective on what’s important. I’m a better actor now.”

Now that he’s back, he’s learned not to take from his personal life to help tell Chad’s story. Describing that approach as “cutting yourself over and over again,” Flynn said, “Chad is a character that has been through so much and I was going through so much in my life. I just never got out of it. I’ve had so much grief and so much depression I was doing things in my off time to cope that weren’t healthy for me.”

Instead, he’s learned he can access the feelings needed to portray Chad without being in it. Admitting he was a little nervous approaching the work in a new way, he relayed, “After the first day, I was like, ‘Oh, okay, I can do this. I can do it in a safe and healthy way. I can still tell the story. I still feel good about my work. It feels good.’” ❞

Thanks!  I knew in my head that BF had more "issues" a few years ago and went off on social media for awhile there.  Even with the criticism he gave on the interview he came off much more level headed and not so in his feelings.  

On this whole topic in general, I actually think BF has stood up for MM as his co star a lot.  I really don't care if he dislikes the writing and he can have his say.  I know I couldn't run around talking bad about my bosses or my job to a bunch of people while currently being employed, but I feel like acting/soaps/entertainment is a slightly different business. 

11 minutes ago, carolineg said:

On this whole topic in general, I actually think BF has stood up for MM as his co star a lot.  I really don't care if he dislikes the writing and he can have his say.

Oh, he was always on Miller's team. ALWAYS. And she was on his.

12 minutes ago, carolineg said:

I know I couldn't run around talking bad about my bosses or my job to a bunch of people while currently being employed, but I feel like acting/soaps/entertainment is a slightly different business.

Once a writer exits or an actor exits (knowing they won't go back) is usually when their true feelings come out. It's commonplace, hahaha.

1 hour ago, Maxim said:

Btw - it's not unprofessional. Writers are not the only ones creating this show. Actors are part of the final product and they have the right to comment and give their opinion. Anyone who takes part in the finished product, from the writer, to the makeup artist, has a say and can give their opinion.  People should talk more... this should not be the exception. People should not be waiting years and years till someone says it and it's "tea". Writers and producers should not feel like Gods.  It's not the 80s anymore.

I agree with you and Antoyne. I don't think it's unprofessional at all, and I have no problem with actors having opinions -- even critical ones -- about their characters.

I never knew so many people were put off by Billy Flynn's "arrogance." I'd rather hear his real opinion about the writing than some lie about how wonderful everything is.

 

2 hours ago, j swift said:

7/10 @Bright Eyes 😉

Sorry, that is MUCH better than 7/10.

If that's a 7/10, I'd sure as hell like to know who gets an 8, 9, or 10.

 

21 minutes ago, Liberty City said:

Once a writer exits or an actor exits (knowing they won't go back) is usually when their true feelings come out. It's commonplace, hahaha.

I really can see both sides of this.  It probably is a bit unprofessional and wouldn't be great in a normal workplace, but I don't have a problem with it.

14 minutes ago, ranger1rg said:

I never knew so many people were put off by Billy Flynn's "arrogance." I'd rather hear his real opinion about the writing than some lie about how wonderful everything is.

 

I should clarify that I didn't think Billy's current statements in the last interview were "arrogant", but he has come off very arrogant in the past.  And clearly took time away to re-evaluate.  I am still personally a little put off by him.  I still think he has a high opinion of himself, but has become better spoken and more aware of how he comes off.  

Not my type but even I recognize a nice tush! So, watching the show today. First  reaction: OMG Marlena now wants to play  Charlemange!! Hattie will have to be bought off! Btw I don't see this arrogance.

Edited September 3, 20241 yr by Contessa Donatella

I feel a bit nuts, because it seems like my point keeps getting distorted.

Professionalism aside, I am responding to the ongoing issue that actors are willing to express their distaste over creative aspects of the show, while never speaking out on the pay disparity and harassment of their female co-workers. 

For example, Billy Flynn laments the lack of focus on Chad and Abby, but never speaks to the perceived inequity behind the scenes that may have led to the resignation of both actresses who played the part.  When almost every leading actress of a certain age quits or is fired, that is an issue that goes beyond the creative choices of the headwriter. 

It is just that simple.

Meanwhile, I still can't believe that they are going to shoot the soap in the pub.  And furthermore, I would argue that Carson Boatman currently has the cutest tush in daytime 9.8/10.

Edited September 3, 20241 yr by j swift

Oh, snap! It was Hattie impersonating Marlena. Broad gave it away. 

19 minutes ago, j swift said:

For example, Billy Flynn laments the lack of focus on Chad and Abby, but never speaks to the perceived inequity behind the scenes that may have led to the resignation of both actresses who played the part.  When almost every leading actress of a certain age quits or is fired, that is an issue that goes beyond the creative choices of the headwriter. 

I actually am not getting your point.  He has spoken up for Marci several times.  I am not sure if there is any actual proof there was inequity behind the scenes for either MM or KM.  MM didn't want a contract.  KM didn't want a long term contract either. That's up to them.  They personally have never spoken on that specific pay disparity or harassment unless I am missing something. 

I don't know what you want Billy Flynn to do.  Go on a tangent about Arianne Zucker?  It was an interview about his character.  

I think what you are trying to say makes sense, but in my mind it means every single person currently working on Days should speak out and that's just not logical.  For them or for anyone else still employed there.  It's a nice sentiment, but not realistic.

30 minutes ago, carolineg said:

I don't know what you want Billy Flynn to do.  Go on a tangent about Arianne Zucker?  It was an interview about his character.  

I think what you are trying to say makes sense, but in my mind it means every single person currently working on Days should speak out and that's just not logical.  For them or for anyone else still employed there.  It's a nice sentiment, but not realistic.

I am simply struck by the discourse encouraging actors to spill tea on creative issues, while ignoring what I perceive as the more pressing issues of inequity within production.  The creative concerns may be intriguing, but the treatment of women is a great concern for me.  Even though I agree with your point that it may not always be realistic to mention it in every interview.

Edited September 3, 20241 yr by j swift

29 minutes ago, j swift said:

I am simply struck by the discourse encouraging actors to spill tea on creative issues, while ignoring what I perceive as the more pressing issues of inequity within production.  The creative concerns may be intriguing, but the treatment of women is a great concern for me.  Even though I agree with your point that it may not always be realistic to mention it in every interview.

Got you.  That makes more sense to me.  A very understandable point of view.  I just don't exactly know how any actor on cast would go about taking that stance without repercussions.

Most men in daytime owe their career to their on-screen romantic partner.  And I was moved by Arianne Zucker's statement that when she was asked to take a paycut, none of her male co-stars voiced their support.  Also, I don't think it is a huge stretch of the imagination that KM or MM might have been more willing to sign a contract if they didn't see their female peers being asked to accept less money.  Especially because KM signed a contract with another network.

So, just once, I want to hear some actor acknowledge the sacrifices that their co-stars have made.  As well as the privileges that allow them to be more concerned about the direction of their character, rather than whether they'll be disrespected the next time they renegotiate their contract. 

You're making me think of Robert Newman. Obviously that flips the gender.

29 minutes ago, j swift said:

the privileges that allow them to be more concerned about the direction of their character, rather than whether they'll be disrespected the next time they renegotiate their contract. 

Lastly (I promise), I feel it is the lack of concession of that privilege that makes certain actors seem unprofessional, arrogant, or just plain bratty.

Edited September 3, 20241 yr by j swift

I can't even recall a time when a male actor talked about pay disparity even after they had left and couldn't face repercussions. Misogyny thrives in daytime!

11 minutes ago, Bright Eyes said:

I can't even recall a time when a male actor talked about pay disparity even after they had left and couldn't face repercussions. Misogyny thrives in daytime!

Don't make me break my promise, but, I'm certain someone will mention that Lucci, Hall, or Slezak may have made more than their male co-star.  However, I think you could count those women on one hand, and it doesn't mean that they were given equal privileges. 

Edited September 3, 20241 yr by j swift